Chérif Salif Sy challenges the notion of a “crisis of values,” suggesting it’s a flawed analytical framework. He posits that societal issues stem from a fundamental disconnect between the language of thought and the language of education. According to Sy, when a society thinks in one language but receives formal instruction in another, it creates a rift. This linguistic disparity impacts understanding, perpetuates a sense of alienation, and hinders genuine societal progress. He implies that the perceived loss of respect and solidarity isn’t a value erosion, but a consequence of this cognitive dissonance. Sy's argument invites a re-evaluation of how language policies affect cultural and intellectual development within a nation. The article proposes that addressing this disconnect is crucial for fostering a more cohesive and understanding society.